As part of our commitment to providing the best learning environment for your child, mobile phones and smart devices are not allowed during the school day.
The impact of social media and smart devices on children is something we all take very seriously. In order to support schools and keep children safe, the government now expects all schools to be phone-free environments throughout the school day.
Our policy remains unchanged.
All phones must be switched off and out of sight during the school day. Smart watches, fitness trackers and earphones must also not be seen in school.
New requirement from September 2026
If your child needs a phone for their journey to and from school, they can bring either:
- A non-smart ‘brick’ phone, or
- A smartphone with the Blackout app installed
Any phone brought to school must remain in your child’s bag or locker and must never be seen during the school day. If a phone is seen at all, it will be confiscated. Sanctions will be communicated to you in September.
About the Blackout app
To ensure our students are not tempted to access their phones, we are launching a new mobile phone initiative with Blackout, a digital wellbeing and phone management app designed for schools.
The Blackout app blocks access to distracting apps during school hours, such as social media, games and web browsers. It also disables cameras and recording features. Essential communication (calls and SMS) remains available, and you can still track your child’s phone on apps like Life360. The wallet also remains unblocked. Exemptions will be made for medical needs.
Further information about the Blackout app is below.
Thank you for your continued support.
What is Blackout?
Full Parent & Carer Information Pack
Blackout FAQ
Blackout Parent Webinar
Frequently Asked Questions
| FAQ |
Notes for students, parents and carers |
| I check my timetable on my phone |
All students will receive a paper timetable at the start of the year and a card version for their blazer pocket. |
| How will I know the time? |
There are clocks in every classroom and you can wear a normal watch. |
| What if I need to contact my parents/carers? |
You can go and see your Year Leader and they will contact home for you, or allow you to use your phone to send a message or call. |
| What if I am not well and want to go home? |
Students cannot make this decision; you must go and see your Year Leader who will help you and contact home if you are not well. |
| I use my phone/watch for a medical condition, what should I do? |
Ask your parents/carers to contact your year group email to inform them of your situation: year?@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk and they will ensure that this is still possible for you to do. |
| What happens if my parents/carers need to contact me during the day? |
Parents/carers need to contact the year group pastoral team by email or phone, or call reception and a message will be passed on to you: year?@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk 01629 812671. |
| I use Class Charts on my phone for homework and to check announcements and my positives |
This is great, but can wait until you are on your way home or at home. If you need to do this whilst at school you can use a school computer. |
| Why can’t I use my smart watch? |
Smart watches are not allowed as they access many of the same functions as mobile phones causing the same unnecessary distractions.
All watches are already banned from all examination venues. |
| Why can’t I use my ear buds? |
As mobile phones and smart watches should be turned off, there is no need for ear buds or headphones. You can have them in your bag to use on your journeys to and from school but not during the school day. |
| I use headphones for my additional needs, what should I do? |
Ask your parents/carers to contact your year group email or the SENCO to inform them of your situation: year?@ladymanners.derbyshire.sch.uk and they will ensure that this is still possible for you to do. |
| Can I wear a Fitbit? |
No, this has some similar functions as a mobile phone. |
| What about school trips? |
The use of phones, ear buds and smart watches on school trips will be decided for each trip individually. |
We look forward to students having fewer distractions and more conversations with their peers and hopefully worrying just a little bit less about something that may or may not have been said on social media.
We appreciate your support with our approach.
